Do not go gentle into that good night, old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light, though wise men at their end know dark is right, because their words had forked no lightning they, do not go gentle into that good night.
Hanyang University unveils regular admissions plan for 2026 with expanded quotas
Hanyang University campus in Seoul / Courtesy of Hanyang University
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Hanyang University has unveiled its 2026 regular admissions plan, confirming the selection of 1,457 new students through domestic entrance examinations, including 1,280 within the general quota and 177 from three applicant groups outside the quotas.
Reflecting early admissions carryovers, the official admissions schedule and finalized enrollment numbers will be posted on the university’s admissions website later this month.
This year’s regular admissions cycle marks several notable changes following the Ministry of Education’s advanced fields student quota adjustments implemented in April 2025.
Under the revised plan, several engineering departments will see increased intake. ㅆhe Department of Convergence Electronics Engineering will admit 79 students, up 16 from the previous year, Future Automotive Engineering will admit 29, up from 8, and the Department of Data Science will admit 30, while last year they admitted 8.
Hanyang University also introduced a 10 percent holistic student record review component into what has traditionally been a purely test-based selection process.
This addition will apply to general and special admissions across all applicant groups, although certain majors such as Sports Industry Science and the Department of Theater and Film (Directing & Staff/Acting) will remain exempt. Admission officials predict the new assessment factor will have limited impact on outcomes this year, as it is designed to gradually diversify admissions criteria ahead of 2028 reforms.
Curriculum and test score weighting changes will also affect applicants. The Department of Clothing and Textiles and the Department of Interior Design have adjusted their subject weighting to reflect business school standards: Korean test scores are worth 35 percent, math 35 percent, English 10 percent, and inquiry subjects are weighted at 20 percent for two subjects. Meanwhile, for Theater and Film, the score weighting between practical and written tests has shifted to 55 percent based on the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) and 45 percent practical.
Significant structural changes include the elimination of mandatory subject requirements for all majors, allowing applicants greater flexibility in subject choice regardless of academic track. Natural science applicants will now be assessed using Korean test scores at 25 percent, math 40 percent, English 10 percent and inquiry subjects at 25 percent. The humanities track will use Korean at 35 percent, math 30 percent, English 10 percent and inquiry subject tests at 25 percent; while business and design tracks will reflect the revised 35-35-10-20 ratio. Standard scores will be applied for Korean and math and converted scores for inquiry subjects, with full details published after official score announcements.
All initial qualifiers for regular admissions will receive a two-year scholarship covering 50 percent of tuition, provided they maintain a minimum semester GPA of 3.75. The scholarship applies to general admissions only and excludes specialized tracks including arts, medical and semiconductor programs.
Special admissions will also adjust selection by using a ratio of 90 percent from CSAT and 10 percent holistic review for rural applicants, balanced opportunity candidates, specialized high school graduates and students with special needs.
In a strategic push to strengthen technology education, Hanyang University will admit eight students to the Department of Semiconductor Engineering from outside the general quota. These students will receive up to four semesters of tuition support and academic grants, plus opportunities for industry-linked internships, advanced laboratory training and global exchange programs including partnerships with SK hynix.
The university is also hosting personalized admissions counseling based on past applicant data from Dec. 22 to 27 to support candidates in selecting competitive tracks and understanding scoring nuances.
Hanyang University’s Seoul campus, located in Seongdong District, maintains a long tradition of blending practical and theoretical education across disciplines, continuing to adapt its admissions framework to evolving higher education demands.